The beach, boat ramp, and 61 campsites at Cattail Cove State Park offer a broad spectrum of activities for all to enjoy. There are also boat-in campsites along the lake shoreline within the park. Whether you're interested in swimming, fishing or just lounging and relaxing, Cattail Cove State Park offers you and your family a chance to get away and enjoy tranquility along Lake Havasu. The 2,000-acre park has been operated by the Arizona State Parks Board since 1970.
Lake Havasu was formed when the Colorado River was dammed near Parker. The 45-mile long lake creates a haven for all kinds of water sports. Fish for largemouth and striped bass, channel and flathead catfish, bluegill and crappie. Boat on the blue waters, sail into quiet coves, or water ski or jet ski out on the open lake.
Picnic Areas/Shelters
Enjoy a picnic in a ramada on a beautiful, sandy beachfront.
Wildlife Viewing
Birds include loons, ducks, Gambel's quail, hummingbirds and vultures. You may also see rabbits, coyotes, bighorn sheep, raccoons, bobcat and snakes.
RV and Tent Camping
There are 61 camping & RV sites. Maximum stay is two weeks. Maximum is six adults and six children per campsite. Un-reserved sites are sold on a first come, first served basis. Saving sites is not allowed. Electric and water is available in all sites, and a picnic table and BBQ/fire pit are also available. Fires are allowed in the fire rings at each site all year, unless other fire restrictions are in effect.
57 sites offer 30 amp service. Four sites offer 50 amp service.
Boating
Cattail Cove State Park invites all watercraft users to enjoy the Colorado River, but we ask that you do so responsibly. That means ensuring that your watercraft meets all of the regulations for motorized and non-motorized watercrafts for your home state. Remember, both Arizona and California share jurisdiction of the Colorado River, so boaters should be familiar with watercraft regulations for both states.
Swimming
Cattail Cove State Park has a designated swimming area next to a beautiful white sand beach located at the day use area, but swimming is allowed along the shoreline. Safety is always our biggest concern, so before you head into the water, here are some tips to help keep you safe:
- Swimming is allowed along the shoreline, but some areas may be rocky, especially at our boat-in campsites further out into the park. That's why we recommend comfortable foot cover and a light mat to put under your towel if you plan to swim outside of the designated swimming area.
- Do not swim near boat ramps or docks.
- The lake's temperature can vary from temperate in the shallows to near-freezing in open water. if you're concerned about temperature drops in the water, be sure and bring an insulated swimming outfit, like a thermal swimming suit.
- In all situations, swimmers should exercise caution. There is no lifeguard on duty, so swimming is at your own risk.
Fishing
Catch the limit with bass, catfish, and crappie. The park has a fish cleaning station.
A valid Arizona fishing license is required for anglers 10 years and older. Licensing information is available online at Arizona Game & Fish, or purchase a fishing license at a local dealer.
Hiking Trails
Whytes Retreat Trail: ½ mile hiking trail with an easy rating. Trail begins at the park and follows the Lake Havasu shoreline, providing an excellent view of the lower portion of the Colorado River, the Whitsett Pumping Station and Parker Dam. The shoreline portion of the trail ends at Whytes Retreat, one of the boat-in campsites provided by the Bureau of Land Management. The McKinney Loop portion of the trail returns to Cattail Cove through low desert hills and a shallow gorge with bluffs on both sides. To reach the trail follow the entrance road to the boat launch ramp where the trail begins on the south side.
Ted's Trail: ½-mile moderate difficulty hiking trail.
Wayne's Way Trail: Two distances loop trail, either .2 or .9 miles, moderate to difficult.
Ripley's Run: 1.51mi, moderate to difficult trail.
Sandpoint Lookout: 0.10mi
Three Dunes: 3.37mi, moderate to difficult trail.
